Jesus, We Trust in You: The Power of Persistent Prayer

10-19-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Persistence in prayer does not necessarily mean long, unending prayer, but heartfelt and confident prayer. In other words, it is not so much the quantity but the quality of our prayers that attracts the attention of God, His mercy, and compassion. Prayer isn’t a tool to manipulate God, but rather a way to align our hearts with His will. When Jesus emphasizes persistence in prayer, it’s not because it bends God’s arm, but because it forms our trust, deepens our faith, and keeps us close to Him. So, we pray: Jesus, we trust in You! Help us not to lose heart (Lk. 18:1).

Jesus instructs His disciples to pray continually and not to become weary. Sometimes, when we pray, we feel as if no one is listening, which discourages many from continuing to pray. Then, we slowly entertain the thought or subscribe to the belief of the futility of praying. Praying is not an exercise of futility but living faith. Even when it seems like our prayers go unanswered or unheard, God is listening, deeply aware of our sorrows and needs. Unlike the wicked judge in the Gospel, He listens and feels the pains of His people.

We cannot go wrong when praying, as long as our persistent prayer springs from faith and confidence in God, who always listens to our prayers. He answers those who call upon Him day and night. When we pray, we nourish our relationship with God. His decision to relate to us allows Him to be affected by our condition. God wants to improve our situations. But we can make the world better by doing our part, caring for others, and working for the common good. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

In humble prayer, diligent preparation, and faithful service, we succeed in our vocation or sacred calling.

For me, some of the best prayers are the shortest ones. These prayers spring from the soul, said in tears, in silence, and remain in the heart. Prayer is not the number of words but the faith and trust we put in them. A good prayer is a heart speaking to another heart, of God. In prayer, we build our relationship with God.

When we pray, we become courageous to face our problems; we become strong to overcome our sadness and fears; we become light and bright in our thoughts and feelings; we find joy and meaning in everything we do and go through in life.

When faced with the many challenges of life, it is a time to remember God’s power, faithfulness, and ability to bring good from bad situations. In our helplessness and weakness, trust and believe. Be still and know that I am God. (Ps. 46:10)

One of the shortest and best prayers we can pray any time is the Divine Mercy prayer: Jesus, we trust in You! Pope Francis once said: In the roughest moment, remember: God is our Father; God does not abandon His children. Life is a journey with God. Trust Him more and less in ourselves. In this journey, we have received more than we have achieved. God loves us not so much because of who we are but despite who we are. Let us all take the path of humility. Be grateful and trust in God’s forgiveness, mercy, and love.

Start our day with a prayer on our knees. The act of kneeling is a beautiful gesture of humility that says it all. Lord, help us to pray with perseverance and persistence.